Zambia has declared the current fuel supply situation an emergency as soaring global prices and supply disruptions linked to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz affect availability across the region.
Although Zambia is thousands of kilometres from the conflict zones, residents report difficulties obtaining fuel. Local resident Fredrick Nabuzoka said, “You have to spend some time looking for fuel. The war should come to an end, and then fuel supply will flow.”
Fridah Mbiza, another resident, described the impact on her business: “My business is down. I cannot move regularly like I used to because of the fuel problem.”
Energy experts warn the crisis is not confined to Zambia. Johnstone Chikwanda said, “The energy insecurity is huge. It’s not just for Zambia, it’s about 75 percent of other African countries. For Zambia, prices are also going to swing up, just like other countries. Another fear is the availability factor.”
In response, Zambia’s cabinet approved measures late in March to ease the burden, including zero-rating value-added tax (VAT) and suspending excise duties on petrol and diesel imports for three months.
Authorities emphasized that the interventions are intended to stabilize local fuel supply and mitigate economic disruption while global tensions continue to affect energy markets.
